8 takeaways from the DNC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The conventional summer has ended and the final lap of the 2012 election has officially begun.

President Barack Obama leaves North Carolina as the Democratic Party’s official standard-bearer. Bill Clinton departs Charlotte elevated to the latest peak in a lifetime of political crashes and redemptions. And Mitt Romney, nowhere near Charlotte, was mocked for three nights straight.

President Obama’s speech was well-received in the convention hall and by some Democratic activists watching at home. But there was far less energy in the hall than there was for Clinton’s speech a night earlier, underscoring that there is a difference between 2012 and 2008.

Obama himself alluded to those differences plainly, telling the party faithful he knew that “times have changed” since 2004.

“I’m no longer just a candidate. I’m the president,” he said, referring to the stark realities the nation faces.

But despite rapping Romney for lack of a plan, he didn’t go heavy on specifics. Obama listed a litany of numerical goals — deficit reduction in 10 years and the like — but that was about it for specifics. He spent some time on his accomplishments, but the economic stimulus, for instance, was not one he touted.

The president’s language was hopeful and forward looking — Obama left the toughest attacks to others.

This was not a speech that pressed reset for the president, but basically served the purpose of an incumbent dealing with a bad economy and evaporated 2008 magic. His hope is that Clinton did that for him, without also overshadowing him.

“Before last night, no one knew the rationale for keeping Barack Obama four more years — now we do. Bill Clinton made it plain,” said Republican strategist Alex Castellanos. “He told us that when the sun comes up tomorrow, things will be better. He told us the greatest risk would be stopping in the desert and turning back from the promised land. Old dad came home and said, ‘Trust me, give the kid another chance.’”

2. Energy and message went to Charlotte over Tampa

It doesn’t dictate who will win. But the Democrats put on a better convention.

Not every metric here is the same. Republicans did the best they could under some trying circumstances, including a hurricane, a candidate to whom the base has warmed slowly and a city with logistical hurdles for such a large-scale event.

For all the talk — and polling data — showing an enthusiasm gap on the Democratic side, the partisans in the Time Warner Arena were fired up. The energy in the hall was real. The delegates stayed in their seats and listened attentively.